<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">St. Paul Pioneer Press - Now it looks as if the Los Angeles Lakers will be the new home of Timberwolves free agent Latrell Sprewell, writes Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Walters doesn't divulge any terms or an indication that a league source informed him of an agreement, but popular deduction leads most to believe that Sprewell's last option has indeed been the Lakers</div> I'm kinda indifferent report, but all I can say is...how did we go from back-to-back-to-back champions, to the "last resort" for an aging veteran?
Probably because all the other aging veterans are joining the Spurs or other top competetors. As crappy as his rep is, I don't think he wants to be seen as a sell out or lose minutes. Lakers is the top team that can give him minutes and some popularity without totally questioning his judgement.
Sprewell is a bargain at only $2.5Million, and I hope Mitch & Co. pull this deal off. Right now the Lakers don't have a viable 3rd scoring option on the team. After Kobe and Odom, the Lakers have to count on Kwame or George to give them consistant points each game. With Sprewell, you can count on him scoring at least 12 to 15PPG, and playing scrappy defense. He's also been a durable player throughout his career, and is another player with something to prove. This situation is also good for Sprewell, because he will get a lot of minutes and have the opportunity to increase his market value. Sprewell also has a business in LA, called Sprewell Motorsports, and it should get plenty of exposure if he joins the Lakers. He played very well under Jeff Van Gundy, because he respected him. I'm sure Sprewell will have the same respect for PJax, and buy into his defense first philosophy and the discipline of the Triangle.
Spree=Cancer? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting YourNewChef:</div><div class="quote_post">Probably because all the other aging veterans are joining the Spurs or other top competetors. As crappy as his rep is, I don't think he wants to be seen as a sell out or lose minutes. Lakers is the top team that can give him minutes and some popularity without totally questioning his judgement.</div> He would be the best scorer off our bench and could replace Caron, but if he loafed around last year for 5 mil, what will he do for 2.5? With all of our other question marks can we afford another roll of the dice? I don't think his up side is worth it, go for the ex-Bruin from Charlotte.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting whatthef?:</div><div class="quote_post">He would be the best scorer off our bench and could replace Caron, but if he loafed around last year for 5 mil, what will he do for 2.5? With all of our other question marks can we afford another roll of the dice? I don't think his up side is worth it, go for the ex-Bruin from Charlotte.</div> I'm not sold on Kapono, especially if it's for Jumaine Jones. I'd rather have Sprewell & Jones instead of only Kapono. Last year Sprewell felt "disrespected" in Minnesota because they only offered him a $7Million extension. He's probably sick to his stomach now for not taking it, because he's not getting anything more than $2.5Million this summer. Since Sprewell doesn't have many options, he has no choice, but bite is lip and play well this upcoming season. If he does, he should get better offers in 2006 or 2007. PJax has a history of getting the most out of his players, so I have confidence in him and Sprewell working.
Do you guys think that Spree could start at the PG position. He's a veteran guard, that could play the position like Harper/Shaw. So if we sign him, would he be starting over McKie?
No D in Spree <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jumpman:</div><div class="quote_post">Do you guys think that Spree could start at the PG position. He's a veteran guard, that could play the position like Harper/Shaw. So if we sign him, would he be starting over McKie?</div> His defense isn't good enough to play the other teams guards and he doesn't handle the ball or pass well enough to play point on offense. He would be strictly a sixth man or maybe play small forward against teams with a small forward with quickness. I still don't think he will take the Lakers mle for 2.5 million if he can get 5 mil in Miami or where-ever.
thank you L.A for taking this fire cracker. I wasa hoping Miami wasn't an option and I'm happy we aren't.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting whatthef?:</div><div class="quote_post">His defense isn't good enough to play the other teams guards and he doesn't handle the ball or pass well enough to play point on offense. He would be strictly a sixth man or maybe play small forward against teams with a small forward with quickness. I still don't think he will take the Lakers mle for 2.5 million if he can get 5 mil in Miami or where-ever.</div> Agreed, I don't think he's the best option playing PG in the Triangle. However, PJax isn't running the same Triangle he was when the Shaq & Kobe were on the team. It's going to be completely different, and we'll probably see Kobe and Odom playing a lot in the post next year. I think Sprewell is better off the bench, because he can be the 2nd scoring option on the floor with Kobe or Odom. Having him just spot up for jumpshots is a waste of his talent.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post">thank you L.A for taking this fire cracker. I wasa hoping Miami wasn't an option and I'm happy we aren't.</div> We have not taken him yet, it's just speculation at this point. The Lakers just don't have the luxury of depth like the Heat, so they have to take what they can get.
thank you L.A for taking this fire cracker. I wasa hoping Miami wasn't an option and I'm happy we aren't
